It’s been a pretty rough few months for Edu, the central midfielder who has also been seen at center back in the U.S. shirt. He was caught in the middle of the mess at Rangers as the Scottish giant fell apart amid financial tumult last year. That led to a summer of transfer instability.

All looked settled as Edu moved to Stoke City just before the Premiership campaign. But unlike Geoff Cameron, who immediately got into the Potters’ lineup and became an important part of manager Tony Pulis’ plans. Edu just never gained a foothold.

Edu sits no higher than 4th or 5th on the current list of U.S. central midfielders, and that may be changing soon if Stuart Holden can regain all of his Stuart Holden-ness in good time. Edu certainly needs to be on the field for any hope of improving his place in the fluid order.

Steve, I think the reason why Maurice had only played 10 minutes for Stoke (and looked unlikely to see any more time) is pretty obvious (at least to those of us who’ve seen him play on dozens of occasions). He’s simply not good enough for the PL. That’s why the clubs in for him this summer (with the exception of Stoke) were from Turkey/France/the Championship. Turkey is a good landing spot for a player with his skill set and I wish him success in Bursa.